Blogger Slacker

Well, well....where do I even begin? I've been a complete slacker when it comes to blogging lately. Mostly because we have been on the go non stop it seems like and when we are home I try to spend time playing with MJ or doing a quick load of laundry.

It's hard to believe that just 2 1/2 weeks ago I was packing in FL and preparing for the move. Now we've arrived in St. Louis, went to Dubuque, bought a house, came back to St. Louis, I got a job offer, and seen countless friends and family members. I've taken lots of pictures and captured many great moments of people meeting Mathew for the first time. Unfortunately I have no idea where my camera cord is at the moment, so I haven't uploaded any.

I'm so thankful we have this time in St. Louis. I can't imagine if we'd only been here for just a few days and we were trying to squeeze all the meet and greets in during that time. The timing of this trip worked out perfectly! I'm excited to get into our new home and begin settling in, but for now it feels pretty nice to just hang out and spend time with lots of loved ones.

One reason I finally feel more relaxed I think is because I finally found a job! It's the job I really wanted too and I feel like it's going to be a great fit for me both personally and professionally. I will be working for Loras College as well. My official job title is Clinical Instructor, but as far as I know I'm not really "instructing" anyone so I think that's a little misleading. The way I understand it is that I will be doing a combination of things related to reading education for elementary students that are funded by a grand that Loras has received. I'll be doing some research on reading programs, possibly some additional grant writing, and mainly serve as the liaison between Loras College and the local elementary schools. I will help organize after school reading tutoring that takes place in the elementary schools, local Family Reading Nights, and a summer Reading Camp. I think it will be a good step for me professionally that will allow me to use my skills in a bit of a different way while developing some connections in the public schools should I wish to go back into the classroom in the next couple years. Plus, quite possibly the best perk is that the job is part time-20 hours per week and based on the college school year calendar. I can make my own hours so I can work around Mat's teaching schedule and between the two of us we should be able to spend a lot of time with MJ and alleviate the need for a daycare. We'll have the same holidays off and both be off during the summers. I think it will be great for our family and a perfect job for me as I transition to a new town and being a new mom. I can have more time to get settled in and comfortable with the area and not have to rush into finding a good daycare or be stressed with starting over in a new school district. I think it was an answered prayer!

More updates to come later, and hopefully some pictures as well. We're certainly missing our Florida friends and my brother, Jeff and yet so happy to see all of our St. Louis family and friends!